At BYU students are encouraged to go forth and make a difference in the world, exemplified through the motto, “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.” Changemaker Week offers students inspiration and new ideas to make a positive impact on the world.
BYU received the Changemaker Campus title because of the focus made on humanitarian work and emphasis made on making a difference accomplished by the Ballard Center for Economic Self-Reliance. The center incorporates the ideas of a “Changemaker Campus” by encouraging and teaching students to find innovative solutions to social problems.
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[/media-credit]BYU received the acclaimed Changemaker Campus title by Ashoka U, an international nonprofit organization that supports social entrepreneurs, which puts universities through a rigorous and selective process over the course of many months.
Marina Kim, Ashoka U’s Executive Director, selects universities that provide students opportunities to participate in positive global change.
“Today’s college students will have several careers in a globally connected context,” Kim said. “They will manage increasingly complex challenges with a growing awareness of the social and environmental implications of their work. Colleges and universities are faced with the exciting opportunity – and responsibility – to develop the next generation as changemakers, equipping them not only to cope with, but drive and lead change.”
“This week is a chance for BYU students to see how they can make a difference both in their communities and around the world,” Manwaring said. “Students will be able to gain ideas and learn the steps that will empower them to become changemakers.”
Changemaker week will include activities and events to enlighten and engage students to better the world around them.
Short films will be shown on Wednesday Oct. 17 that feature a series of student-created documentaries. The films focus on social entrepreneurs in action, and highlight BYU students who traveled to Africa and New Orleans to participate in community change.
“Changemakers use their talents to better the world around them,” Farrell says. “Film can be one of the most influential ways to spread ideas. The experience I had can be summed up in one word — empowering.”
While the Peery Film Festival is taking place, students can discover internship and grant prospects. They can also visit booths from clubs associated with the center which will give students information to take action.
